By Mark Kneubuhl
Special to LIVE!
November 7, 2007

Christmas trees thrive in the cold and arid mountainous regions of the United States. Growing them in Christoval, 20 miles south of San Angelo, seems about as likely as growing cotton in Canada. This was the belief of David and Amy Scott before they visited the Navasota Christmas tree farm even further south near one of America’s most hot and humid cities of Houston.

Since that visit, several years ago, David has never gotten the idea out of his head, so when it came time to retire onto his 10-acre, Toenail Trail spread, he and his wife looked at each other and said, “Why not Christoval?”

“Of course we can’t grow just any kind of Christmas tree here, but we have a couple of varieties that do real well in this climate,” David said.

Presently, the Concho Christmas Tree Farm has over 5,000 trees in their live inventory, the first ones were planted in 2001.

“Our first trees were ready two years ago and both Amy and I had our fingers crossed, we did okay and sold quite a few,” said David.

The Scotts supplement their venture by shipping in cut trees, giving their customers a choice between locally grown for $15 to $50, depending on size, to the more expensive, “picture perfect”, cold weather varieties.

Amy also makes Christmas wreaths from tree trimmings. Adjacent to the farm they operate a seasonal gift shop, both of which have turned out to be an important part of their business.

Besides the business of Christmas, the Scotts give tours to hundreds of school children each year, for those Concho Valley kids that have never seen a Christmas tree actually planted in the ground.

David Scott, who was raised on a more traditional west Texas farm and later worked until retirement for San Angelo ISD, said that he always wanted to “get back to the country”.

“This kind of farm is a lot different than growing cotton, but it’s been real satisfying and both Amy and I love it,” concluded Scott.

Learn more about the Concho Christmas Tree Farm at www.texaschristmastrees.net/conchofarm.htm.